Sounds like the city wants to give valet parking another try.

Also on the docket for next Monday’s City Commission meeting:  giving Eagle Parking a six-month trial on the south side of the Square.

As Lyn explains in her note, “We entered into a similar arrangement with Eagle Parking last October at the request of Saba.  It was used and we had no problems, but with only a few months to test it before cold weather arrived, we would like the oppertunity to continue to test the concept through the end of December 2009.”

The service is $3 (not sure if that includes or excludes tip), but could possibly be validated at participating restaurants.

The Proposed Downtown District

Among the items on next Monday’s City Commission agenda is a request to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the State Preservation Office to prepare a National Register nomination for a section of downtown.

According to a letter among the materials for the meeting, Planning Director Amanda Thompson states that property owners in the proposed district were notified of the potential nomination last month and that additional mailings and meetings would be held to keep residents updated and familar with the process.

As Thompson states in her letter to the Commission (page 21), a National Register District is designed to “provide recognition for historic resources and tax incentives for renovation projects.”  (In fact, Sonny just increased the state incentives last year – 20% of qualified work , up to $100,000 for residential and $300,000 for commercial)

And unlike local historic districts, National Register Districts do not place any restrictions or design review on property owners…unless you’re the Fed.  Then you gotta go talk to Ken Salazar first.

Glad to hear this is moving forward!  Its a great idea that will benefit downtown property owners and get more of the city’s history down on paper (which is a couple steps above the old slash and burn policies of 40 years ago.)

Decatur resident Tim Byrd will debut his new middle readers pulp adventure series, Doc Wilde and the Frogs of Doom, with a signing at Little Shop of Stories tomorrow night at 7pm.

Question for Tim:  How does one tell the difference between a normal frog and a “frog of doom”?  You know, just in case I come across one down by Peachtree Creek.

Thanks to Amanda for sending along the info!

Rus sends in a list of two brewery launches taking place at the Brick Store next week.  Also don’t forget to powder your wig for this Saturday’s signing of the Declaration of Beer Independence with Mary Jane Mahan!  “Oh beautiful, for spacious bar…”

Monday – May 18, 2009 @ 05:00PM

Bells Brewery Launch:

Get on down to the pub and get yourself a pint of Hopslam ON CASK!! Have a pint of DOUBLE CREAM STOUT to wash it down. We will also have a few bottles on hand and probably some Oberon draft in case its over a 100 degrees outside.

Friday – May 22, 2009 @ 05:00PM

Moylans Brewery Launch:

Moylans beer is available in Georgia (Finally!)

You are going to love this brewery!

On Draft: Hopsickle, Kilt Lifter, IPA

Click over to the Decatur Minute and read how the city is helping 15 Decatur Housing Authority families online.

I love when the city toots its own horn.  They should do it much more often.  Lots of great things going on behind the scenes that we never hear about.